Suicides Rise: But There Is Hope!

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports, “Suicide rates are climbing in nearly every demographic, age group and geographic area” in the United States (Time, June 7, 2018). Suicide deaths have increased by almost 30 percent since 1999 and “among all racial and ethnic groups and in every age range except adults older than 75.”

According to the World Health Organization, nearly one million people die globally each year from suicide and, tragically, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among those 15 to 29 years old. In the USA, suicide is the second-leading cause of death among those ages 10–34 (CDC). Many factors impact suicide rates, including depression, hopelessness, family tragedy, crisis, feeling isolated, illness, family history and substance abuse.

Yet, is there hope for the future? Absolutely! The prophet Isaiah wrote of a time, following Christ’s return, when the blind, the deaf and the lame will be healed, and the environment will be restored (Isaiah 35:5–7). This will be a time of great joy and hope for all (v. 10), when “the whole earth is at rest and quiet” (Isaiah 14:7). This will be a time when people will “dwell in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places” (Isaiah 32:18). Even the children will live at peace (Isaiah 54:13). Jesus Christ, as the Prince of Peace, will return and restore peace and quiet to the world, and there will be no more death, sorrow, crying or pain (Revelation 21:4)—and no more suicide! This will be a time when God’s Spirit of power, love and a sound mind will be poured out on all of humanity (2 Timothy 1:7; Joel 2:28). To learn more about this future time, and what people can do today to obtain more peace, watch “Do You Have Peace of Mind?”

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